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Details of Arab Initiative to be Presented at the Rome Conference | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat- Egyptian diplomatic sources have revealed to “Asharq al-Awsat” that officials in Riyadh, Cairo, and Amman are working on formulating a complete initiative for dealing with the current situation Lebanon to presented it at the Rome conference due to be held tomorrow (26 July) .

The sources, which spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity, pointed out that the initiative includes a comprehensive and immediate cessation of all military operations and the Israeli forces’ withdrawal from south Lebanon as an important step for disarming the militias. The sources also revealed that consultations on this initiative were held in coordination between Arab and European capitals and was discussed during talks with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier while in the region.

The seven main points of the Initiative are as fellows: The first is the need for the immediate cessation of all military operations. second and third points focus on the need for the Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the Lebanese areas they are occupying, the deployment of international forces on the border areas between Lebanon and Israel, and bolstering the Lebanese Army’s undertaking of its tasks in this area. The fourth point underlines the importance of completing the full Israeli withdrawal and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territories and its independence as this will facilitate implementation of Resolution 1559, negate any excuses, and end the fears of internal and regional divisions and sedition over this issue. These steps are expected to prepare the action for exchanging prisoners and ending the tense situation through negotiations sponsored by international parties.

The initiative also refers to action for disarming the militias and turning Hezbollah into an official political party. It underlines the importance of discussing plans for reconstruction and repair of the damages to the installations and infrastructure caused by the war and providing Arab and international backing for this.